Time Out’s Tom Young – a self-confessed facial novice – tries out a new, manly treatment that promises to tackle urban stress and dirt (sadly he declined to have his photo taken, so this isn’t him above!)

A lunch hour spent getting a facial at The Refinery is the most outlandish thing I’ve done in London for years. Having never had a facial before, I was a bit tentative about signing up for a men’s ‘city recovery’ treatment designed by Skinceuticals to ‘correct and prevent damaged skin caused by environmental aggressors’. While I wasn’t in this for looking younger (I turn 30 next month but still get ID-d), the idea of cleaning out month’s worth of London grime and easing a bit of urban stress sounded appealing.

During the 45 minute ‘express’ session (75 minute treatments are available), scrubs, masques and gels came thick and fast. I was in safe hands with Peta, who talked me through every step, from the steaming and cleansing of the skin to the vitamin C firming masque and the exfoliating gel peel (which I was correctly warned would ‘sting a bit’). While the masque set, a scalp, neck and a facial massage is performed, which left me in a state of regal relaxation. Even for a facial novice, the results are impressive: my skin has felt fresher and far more hydrated. The ideal treat for any London man. Tom Young

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